June 5, 2007

ALERT: Senate Debates Amnesty / Guestworker Bill

Just to make sure you're staying awake on the immigration issue, here's a couple of primers.

The Senate will resume debate this morning on S. 1348, the amnesty / guestworker bill, at some point after 10 a.m. Members will vote on two amendments before adjourning for the weekly party policy lunches. The Senate will then take up the bill again at 2:15 p.m. (More)

Initial public reaction to the immigration proposal being debated in the Senate is decidedly negative.

A Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey conducted Monday and Tuesday night shows that just 26% of American voters favor passage of the legislation. Forty-eight percent (48%) are opposed while 26% are not sure. The bi-partisan agreement among influential Senators and the White House has been met with bi-partisan opposition among the public. The measure is opposed by 47% of Republicans, 51% of Democrats, and 46% of those not affiliated with either major party.

The enforcement side of the debate is clearly where the public passion lies on the issue. Seventy-two percent (72%) of voters say it is Very Important for "the government to improve its enforcement of the borders and reduce illegal immigration." That view is held by 89% of Republicans, 65% of Democrats, and 63% of unaffiliated voters.